Written by Prof. Stela Zamfirescu, IGA Country Representative for RomaniaFounder and Honorary President of ANCC CAPRIROM

The favorable conditions for the breeding of small ruminants in Romania determined the continuous development of these species. Goats continue their numerical development, as the leading milk suppliers. This increase is determined, on the one hand, by the visible decrease in dairy cows, and on the other hand, by consumers’ awareness of the benefits of milk and goat milk cheese.

At the beginning of 2019, the total number of goats exceeds 2 million, of which the total number of females was 1,715,000 heads, with an increase of 117,365 heads, which represents a weight of 7.3%, compared to 2017. A recent analysis of the National Agency for Animal Husbandry mentions a new aspect regarding the breed structure of goats. The native breeds raised in Romania are the Carpathian and Banat White. However, due to the massive imports, over the last ten years, of specialized dairy breeds, namely Saanen, Alpine and Anglo-Nubian, the structure of these breeds has changed dramatically.